M&S has launched its first sustainability-focused innovation challenge, and the retailer is searching for tech-savvy partners to help it reach its net-zero by 2040 target.

The retailer is looking for ideas and technologies that tackle two problems - persuading customers to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviors and reducing inefficiencies in its agricultural supply chains. Each problem's best solution will be picked for proof of concept and testing across M&S.

For the inaugural issue, M&S is searching for technical solutions that will improve customer interaction and assist them in making more sustainable decisions, as it recognizes customers' desire to lessen their own environmental effects.

M&S is searching for new solutions to the second challenge that enable end-to-end process efficiency while also encouraging sustainability across the whole agricultural supply chain.

Stuart Ramage, Head of Ignite program at M&S said that calling all start-ups, they're on the lookout for their newest breakthrough or technology that can help them lessen their influence on tomorrow's plane. In exchange, they may make a concept become a reality and give a trial supported by M&S's worldwide size, as well as help from their dedicated Ignite innovation team. As they strive to create a culture of innovation within M&S, they're incredibly pleased to hear all of their ideas.

Mike Tattersall, MD of Innovation and CCO, True, said that their four-year cooperation with the M&S Ignite team continues to go from strength to strength as they launch these two new challenges. True has the breadth and network to promote genuine, good change throughout one of the country's most beloved shops and enhance its total environmental footprint through these innovation challenges, and he is really proud of that.